Kill victims' legacy hailed

A LEADING health academic and his partner found dead at their Southern Tasmanian home on Thursday are being mourned around the globe.

Professor Gavin Mooney, 69, has been described as one of the founding fathers of health economics and his partner, Dr Delys Weston, 62, recently completed a PhD on the political economy of global warming at Curtin University.

Friends and neighbours yesterday placed prayer flags and flowers at the entrance to the couple's Mountain River property, where they were found dead with severe head injuries on Thursday morning.

Dr Weston's son, Nicolau Francisco Soares, has been charged with the couple's murder.

Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said the deaths of Professor Mooney and Dr Weston were a tragic loss for the health community in Australia and internationally.

``Professor Mooney was a fearless advocate for social justice,'' Ms Plibersek said.

``A rare breed of academic, his capacity to bridge theory and practice was evident throughout his career and semi-retirement.

``Not only did he write the defining book on citizen juries, but then demonstrated their application in health priority setting, juvenile justice and indigenous health.

``His close engagement with a number of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations exemplified his hands-on approach.''

Ms Plibersek said Professor Mooney's research was driven by real world challenges and geared towards identifying practical solutions.

``He was an inspiring teacher and supervisor which, when coupled with his extensive publication record, will ensure his legacy persists.''

She said Dr Weston had held previous academic appointments at the University of Tasmania and the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa.

Tasmanian Greens health spokesman Paul O'Halloran said Professor Mooney was a major contributor to the Greens' health stakeholder forum last December.

``We had exciting plans to build on that work into the future,'' Mr O'Halloran said.

``Professor Mooney had a very engaging manner and was inclusive, approachable, responsive and generous with his advice and expertise.

``In the short time Gavin Mooney and his partner were based in Tasmania, they have contributed an enormous and positive legacy for Tasmania's health system, and our community.''

The couple moved to Mountain River in the Huon Valley from Perth, Western Australia, about two years ago as part of their retirement plan.